| Explore Sandstone |
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Sandstone is located 742 kms northeast of Perth, in the heart of the east Murchison District. In 1894 Ernest Shillington and fellow prospectors found gold about 20 kms southwest of the town. Over six years from 1907 Sandstone prospered and became a small city with a population of 8,000. In July 1910 the railway came through which brought more people to the town. By 1919 only 200 people remained, however Sandstone survived as a centre for the region’s pastoral industry. Recently gold mining has been reinstated in the region. The town is named after the natural 'breakaway' sandstone rock formations. From July to September, Sandstone's red earth is covered with wildflowers. Emus, bungarras and kangaroos are at home here, it is common to see a kangaroo in the main street of town in the the evening. The Sandstone Belt is about 2.6 billion years old. Scientists estimate Earth's age to be about 4.6 billion years, which makes Sandstone's landscape truly ancient. The Sandstone Heritage Trail takes in the town and surrounding area featuring sites of historical and natural significance. Driving the 17.9 kms trail at a leisurely pace, is a pleasant way to spend half a day. Some of the sites along the way are: London Bridge is part of a larger 800 metre formation which varies in height from 3 to 10 metres. The weathered basalt is believed to be about 350 million years old. The Brewery was constructed by Irishman, JV Kearney, in 1907 to supply the many thirsty miners working in the area, and was built on a breakaway, close to the edge of a 40 foot drop. Water was pumped from a well at the top storey, gravity sent the beer to coolers, then to large vats on the main floor, from there it went to the cellar which was a manmade tunnel in the face of the breakaway cliff. But not long after the railway line came to town, a regular supply of liquor was available and the Sandstone brewery closed. Black Range Chapel was a Catholic church called St Athanasius, constructed in 1908. In October 1995 the church was vested to the Shire of Sandstone by the Catholic Bishop of Geraldton, and became a non-denominational church. In 1995 there was major restoration, including a feature stained glass window which depicts the local landscape, flora and fauna. The National Hotel was the smallest of four hotels erected during the gold rush years. Built in 1907 by WA Richardson, from bricks fired in a kiln near Hacks Mine. The hotel has remained open since it was constructed, and is popular with visitors and locals.
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